Social Media Smarts

If you want to know where kids are hanging out these days, think virtual. The place to be is online, where kids keep up with each other, share images, play games, and keep up with the world. Sometimes those clicks and comments can turn ugly, though. Bullies and trolls are a fact of our world, but we're here to help stop them. We'll break down whom they target, who they are, and what to do to stop the cycle. From how to shut down a troll to what the law and school policies offer, readers find out how to silence the bullies on the other side of that black mirror.

It's nearly impossible for most of us to imagine what our lives would be like without social media. However, today's teens unarguably eclipse their elders in the reliance on and adept, intuitive use of a whole range of social media platforms. Savvy though they may be, teens are still plagued by the same specters that haunt all social media users, such as trolls and bullies, privacy issues, and fake news. Arm readers with the knowledge, tools, and critical perspective they need to navigate the tricky world of social media and educate others about how to do so in an informed, intelligent way.

For many teens, maintaining a strong social media presence is all about sharing wacky videos with friends, posting fun photographs, or following their favorite bands and brands. What they may not realize is that corporations are mining Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media platforms for marketable data. Being too open on social media can also expose teens to other risks, such as identity theft. but this book has readers covered. They'll learn practical tips on how to be smart about personal privacy. A compelling, non-preachy main text and suggestions for further reading help teens get their social media fix while still playing it safe.

For many teens, being 100 percent candid on social media and posting revealing photographs from last night's party is not only a blast, it's the norm. But what if their grandmother saw the posts? Even worse, what if a future boss or a college admissions recruiter did? Not cool. In this book, readers will learn why it's important to act responsibly when shaping their digital footprint. A breakdown of profile dos and don'ts and practical tips on how to manage their day-to-day social media presence make the information relevant. Fun quizzes, discussion prompts, and an engaging text keep the learning experience fun.

Most people sign on to one or more social media accounts every day without giving much thought to how these services are offered for free. This timely volume explains to readers how social media sites use their personal data to make a profit. By explaining how advertising targets specific demographic groups and how big data firms make use of individuals' information, this book gives readers a clear understanding of their place in the social media business model. In addition, readers will learn how they can take steps to protect their privacy and reduce the amount of information available to data mining companies. Illustrations and in-depth sidebars round out the text.

Want to see a teen freak out? Take their phone away. Phones seem to be as important as oxygen, but sometimes those little portals to the online world interfere with real life. This fun and informative guide will help painlessly wean teens off constant phone use by offering scale-back tactics, sharing what others have done that works, and explaining the physical and emotional repercussions of overuse so that teens don't have to miss out on anything IRL.